10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia: How to Spot Them and What to Do

Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function. This affects intellectual processes such as perception, thought, reasoning, and memory. It’s a condition that develops due to acquired causes, leading to a decline in these cognitive abilities and impairing the individual’s ability to live independently.

Early detection is crucial for managing dementia effectively. While there’s no cure, early diagnosis allows for interventions, including medication, non-pharmacological therapies, and risk factor management, to alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Here are 10 early warning signs of dementia to watch out for:

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

• What it looks like: Forgetting recently learned information is a common sign. This goes beyond occasionally forgetting names or appointments. Individuals may repeatedly ask the same questions, rely heavily on memory aids (like notes or electronic devices), or need family members to do things they used to do themselves.

• What to do: If memory loss is significantly impacting daily tasks and causing concern, consult a doctor.

2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

• What it looks like: Challenges with planning a meal, following a recipe, managing finances, or keeping track of monthly bills. It involves difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things than before.

• What to do: Observe if these difficulties are persistent and interfere with everyday tasks.

3. Confusion with Time or Place

• What it looks like: Getting lost in familiar places, losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately.

• What to do: Pay attention to disorientation, particularly in familiar environments.

4. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

• What it looks like: Difficulty judging distance, determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving. This is different from typical age-related vision changes.

• What to do: Consult with an eye doctor and a neurologist to rule out other potential causes.

5. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

• What it looks like: Struggling to find the right words, calling things by the wrong name, or having difficulty following or joining a conversation.

• What to do: Observe if language difficulties are becoming more frequent and impacting communication.

6. Decreased or Poor Judgment

• What it looks like: Making poor decisions regarding finances, giving away large sums of money, or paying less attention to grooming or personal hygiene.

• What to do: Take note of any significant changes in judgment or decision-making abilities.

7. Changes in Mood and Personality

• What it looks like: Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may get easily upset.

• What to do: Be aware of any significant shifts in mood or personality.

8. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

• What it looks like: Avoiding social gatherings, hobbies, or work projects due to feeling overwhelmed or unable to keep up.

• What to do: Note any sudden disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed.

9. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

• What it looks like: Putting things in unusual places (e.g., keys in the freezer) and being unable to retrace steps to find them.

• What to do: Observe if misplacing items is becoming more frequent and causing distress.

10. Challenges in Planning or Problem Solving

• What it looks like: Difficulty following a recipe, managing finances, or understanding abstract concepts like numbers and symbols.

• What to do: Watch for difficulties with tasks that require planning and problem-solving skills.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these warning signs, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis is key to managing dementia and improving quality of life. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, including cognitive tests and brain scans, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Remember, noticing these signs isn’t a definitive diagnosis, but it’s an important step in seeking the help needed to manage cognitive health.